Dev Diwali Celebration Varanasi 2026-27
Why Dev Diwali Celebration
Every year, this festival is celebrated by lighting countless oil lamps along the ghats of the Ganges. On the occasion of Dev Diwali, the city of Varanasi comes alive with a magnificent spectacle of light and devotion. According to mythology, this is the night when the gods themselves descend to Earth to witness this breathtaking sight. Celebrated approximately 15 days after Diwali, on the day of Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepavali marks the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demons known as Tripurasura. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and it is for this reason that Dev Diwali is celebrated in Varanasi.
Known as the ‘Festival of the Gods,’ this magical night transforms the ghats of the Ganges into a shimmering river of fire, as thousands of twinkling oil lamps illuminate every step, bank, and temple. While Diwali is celebrated by lighting lamps within homes, Dev Diwali is believed to be the day when the gods themselves descend into the river to take a holy dip and behold the city illuminated in their honor.
On the day of the festival, people perform the Kartik Snan (a holy dip in the river), and thousands gather at ghats such as Assi and Dashashwamedh for the grand Ganga Aarti. It is on this very evening each year that records are broken, as Varanasi’s more than 80 ghats are illuminated by millions of oil lamps, meticulously placed on the steps by volunteers, priests, and visitors arriving from all corners of the globe.
The sheer scale of this festival, its deep-rooted connection to the traditions of Varanasi, and its setting along the banks of the Ganges make it one of the most extraordinary events on the calendar.
How to Celebrate Dev Diwali
In Varanasi, people typically participate in the Dev Deepawali festivities in the following ways:
Taking a Holy Dip: Begin the day by taking a holy dip in the river—a ritual known as ‘Kartik Snan.’ It is believed that performing this ritual on the morning of Dev Deepawali washes away sins and bestows spiritual blessings.
Lighting Earthen Lamps: In the evening, thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) are lit across the ghats, rooftops, and balconies. This constitutes one of the most unique attractions of the Dev Deepawali celebration.
Attending the Ganga Aarti: Participate in the grand Aarti ceremonies held at Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat, where priests perform rituals accompanied by lamps, incense, and Vedic chants.
Floating Lamps in the River: People set small lamps afloat in the river as prasad (offerings), casting an enchanting glow upon the water; this is a centuries-old tradition deeply intertwined with Dev Deepawali.
Visiting Temples and Offering Prayers: Temples are adorned with lights and flowers. Devotees visit these sacred sites to offer prayers, recite scriptures, and participate in worship rituals, thereby deepening their spiritual connection with Dev Deepawali.
